How Is Nylon Thread Made?
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Nylon is the first synthetic fiber manufactured by man. Nylon is known for its high strength, elasticity, and resistance to oil and grease. Nylon threads are used to produce fabrics, fishing lines and surgical threads.The first production of nylon was in the late 1930s by the Dupont Co. using chemicals extracted from coal, water, petroleum, natural gas and agricultural byproducts. The process of making nylon thread consists of two stages called chemical combination (polymerization) and the manufacturing process (open polymerization).
Chemical Process-Polymerization
-
Stage one in nylon thread production is the chemical process called polymerization. In this stage, nylon-producing chemicals are combined and heated at extremely high temperatures. This heating process removes water and induces polymerization when the small molecules combine to form large molecules. A molten nylon substance is formed and ready to move to the manufacturing process.
-
Manufacturing Process-Opening Polymerization
-
Stage two of nylon thread production is the manufacturing process, which begins when the molten nylon is forced through the tiny holes of a spinnerette machine. The streams of nylon harden upon exiting the machine and coming into contact with air. The hardened streams of nylon are wound into bobbins. The nylon thread is then drawn or stretched by unwinding and rewinding the thread around another spool. This drawing process flattens and aligns the molecules into a parallel line known as open polymerization. This step also gives the nylon thread its strength and elasticity. After the final drawing, the nylon thread is wound around a final bobbin and ready for use and shipment for industrial and manufacturing uses.
-
